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The time for the summer holidays has come for students. And also for the big departures. But whether you are on the motorway, the Nationale 7 or simply in town, certain driving practices are dangerous, even illegal. We take stock of the myths and realities of cars in summer.
Bad habits that can cost (very) dearly. On the occasion of the school holidays – and the first departures of the summer, Bison Fûté calls on users to be extremely careful when traveling on the roads, for this “crossing”, the police, for their part, are watching, in particular, over all our little bad habits.
We take stock of these habits: which ones are prohibited or dangerous? franceinfo takes stock with Captain Joseph Freignaud, commander of the EDSR (departmental road safety squadron) of Morbihan.
Are we allowed to use our smartphone GPS application while driving?
It’s the nightmare of holidaymakers on the road: traffic jams. Hence the desire, sometimes, to change your itinerary by tapping on your Waze or Google Maps type app on your smartphone. However, warns the capitaine Joseph Freignaud, it is strictly forbidden.Any GPS can only be operated by the driver when the vehicle is stationary“, he says before recalling the rule: “Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. It results in the loss of three points on your license and a fine of 135 euros. This can lead to a suspension of your driving license if it is combined with another offense resulting in the loss of points.“
Are we allowed to smoke or eat while driving?
The temptation can be great to avoid wasting time on a motorway service area. However, eating, drinking or even smoking while driving can quickly become dangerous. And the Highway Code is clear, as the commander of the Morbihan EDSR reminds us: “Any dangerous behavior that could lead to loss of control of the vehicle is subject to a fine. This is article R412-6 of the Highway Code concerning driving that does not allow the vehicle to be easily maneuvered.“If the offence is found, it falls under a second class fine, up to 35 euros.
Is it allowed to stick your arm or hands out while driving at 130 km/h on the motorway?
Air conditioning is great. But some people prefer to open the window to cool down the cabin. While there is nothing to formally prevent passengers from putting their hand out the window for a few moments, the gendarmerie captain is keen to point out that the driver is supposed to have both hands on the wheel. And that, here too, “Any dangerous behavior that could lead to loss of control of the vehicle is punishable by a fine.”
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Is it allowed to put your feet on the passenger dashboard while driving?
Who has never been tempted to gain a little space to lie down in the car? However, whether you are barefoot or in socks, putting your feet on the passenger dashboard is not a brilliant idea. In fact, the police officer reminds us, “itIt is not illegal, however it is an extremely dangerous practice for the passenger.”
“If the airbag is triggered, which can be the result of any impact, even a minor one, the passenger’s legs are thrown by the airbag against their torso or face and can cause very serious injuries and disabilities.”
Captain Joseph Freignaudto franceinfo
On Facebook, the Morbihan gendarmerie had also reposted a video of the show This is not rocket science in 2019, showing the dangers of this practice: the passenger airbag deploys in 55 milliseconds, the time of the blink of an eye.
Is it legal to drive shirtless, barefoot or in flip flops?
This is a question that often comes up in the summer: do we have the right to drive more lightly than usual? Although the practice is widely discouraged – and even more so for motorized two-wheelers – the fine is not systematic.There is no specific prohibition on the subject.the captain tells us Freignaud. Circumstances may lead the police to issue a fine, again, if it is found that the vehicle is unable to be easily manoeuvred.”
Are we allowed to sleep all night on the highway?
“Every two hours, a break is essential“: this advice is well known to motorists. While it is highly recommended to take a break at the first signs of fatigue – such as a fixed gaze, repeated yawning, heavy eyelids, tingling and blinking of the eyes or even a stiff neck and an uncomfortable sitting position, as the Vinci Autoroutes website reminds us – there is nothing to prevent you from having a good night’s sleep at a rest area, if necessary. Yes, whether you are in a car or a camper van, you can sleep a whole night at the rest area, as long as you follow the safety instructions. But be careful not to settle down: it is indeed forbidden to take out equipment, such as a tent or chairs. This can be considered wild camping.
Can we stop anywhere for a “pee break”?
The toilets in motorway or national road service areas sometimes have a reputation that precedes them. However, in case of urgent need, it can be expensive: the law prohibits urinating on the public highway – even behind a tree. This is Article R632-1 of the penal code: “Eshall be punished by the fine provided for 2nd class offences for depositing, abandoning, throwing or dumping, in a public or private place, with the exception of locations designated for this purpose by the competent administrative authority, rubbish, waste, excrement, materials, unsanitary liquids or any other object of any nature whatsoever, including urinating on the public highway, if these acts are not carried out by the person having the use of the place or with his authorization.” And this, againore less on the emergency lane: in addition to the 35 euro fine, the driver risks a 135 euro fine and the loss of three points on their driving licence.